January 3 - Deep Winter Shipping - The Cason J Callaway arrived in Duluth, passing through sea smoke boiling off Lake Superior's open water. Within a few weeks, this area will be thick ice until Spring. Shipping on Lake Superior continues into mid-January with severe cold and thick ice. In these icy conditions of -20F, you can also see incredible beauty everywhere you look. The coldest temperature recorded in Duluth was -41, which occurred on January 2, 1885. Emersed in the cold of January, Springtime seems far off; however, the daylight hours are already stretching longer, and soon, it will be noticeably lighter at supper time. "From the breath of God ice is made, And the expanse of the waters is frozen." Job 37:10 Sometimes hope is surrounding us, and we miss it because of our situation, but just like January, Spring is right around the corner. And indeed, as Spring follows Winter; as Christians, the hope we find in Christ is always there; we only have to look up.
The Wisconsin Point Lighthouse reflects onto the clear ice surrounding the entry into the Duluth-Superior Harbor. Constructed in 1913, the Wisconsin Point Lighthouses has stood watch over the Wisconsin Entry for more than 100 years. This Lighthouse replaced the previous Minnesota Point Lighthouse, the first Lighthouse built on Lake Superior in 1856. This beautiful Lighthouse has is exposed to high winds, powerful waves, lightning, and extreme cold throughout the years and is a tribute to the construction crews and engineers the build and designed this light. The Wisconsin Point Lighthouse has withstood the powerful elements on a solid foundation meant to last. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 Just like the Wisconsin Point Lighthouse, we need a solid foundation to withstand the storms of life. We have this foundation for life "In Christ Alone."
January Full Moon over the South Pier LighthouJanuary Full Moon over the South Pier Lighthouse in Duluth. The moonlight reflecting off the clouds and water makes for a surreal image. The South Pier Lighthouse has been guiding ships into the harbor since 1901 and replaced an older lighthouse at the time. This powerful beacon shines 24 miles out onto Lake Superior, guiding ships into safe harbor. Christians have relied on the powerful light of Jesus Christ through prayer and the Bible for thousands of years. The Gospel beams the hope of salvation far and wide. For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. 2 Samuel 22:29se in Duluth.
